Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in North Carolina

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville, NC. The trails are rated easy to difficult, and leashed dogs are allowed on all of them. Dogs are not, however, allowed in any of the buildings and some of the gardens. An entry fee does apply to visitors.

Triple Falls and High Falls Trails in Pisgah Forest, NC, is dog friendly. It's a moderately easy, 2.6-mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. Although this trail may be short, it will certainly take you past some of the most beautiful areas on the way to the waterfalls. Color is plentiful in spring when the flowers are blooming and fall when the leaves are changing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash and under control of the owner. Hunting allowed by permit on certain days.

North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC, is pet friendly! There are 2.2 miles of trails that weave around the hilly park. Along the way, you and your leashed pup will come across a number of interesting sculptures. In addition, there are several doggie waste stations and water fountains along the trails.

The Blowing Rock is the state's oldest travel attraction in Blowing Rock, NC. The 1/4-mile loop trail is dog-friendly with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Be sure to keep Fido leashed at all times as there are several cliffs throughout the trail.

Bodie Island Light Station in Nags Head is pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join their owners in the grounds of this historic lighthouse. Dogs are not allowed inside anymore, despite the lighthouse once being the stomping ground of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Chess who used to climb the tower every day with his owner, the last civilian-era keeper of the lighthouse.

Chimney Rock State Park is a 1,000 acre scenic attraction located in the Hickory Nut Gorge of Chimney Rock, NC. The park features dog-friendly hiking trails and amazing 75-mile views. Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a beautiful hike to take with your leashed dog at any time of year. The 1.4 mile round trip leads visitors to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Magnificent views await those who take this gently rolling trail with gradual, moderate uphill sections, rocky terrain, and a small staircase at the base of the falls. The hike should take 45 minutes to an hour. Picnic tables, benches, and resting areas are located at several points along the trail.

The Lake Junaluska Walking Trail in Lake Junaluska, NC, is pet friendly. Dogs are welcome on the two paved walking trails at Lake Junaluska Retreat and Conference Center. Choose between a 2.3-mile loop around the lake or a longer, 3.8-mile trail. All visitors are welcome, not just those staying at the United Methodist retreat near Asheville.

With nearly 28 miles of trails, Eno River State Park in Durham, NC, provides hours of fun and adventure for you and Fido! Choose from pet-friendly trails that follow the Eno River or paths that take you deep into the forest. Dogs are allowed on all routes but must remain on a leash no longer than 6'.

Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC is dog-friendly. This 12 acre horticultural education center and public botanical garden provides hands-on education to students, youth clubs & adults. It's also a place where visitors can stroll the grounds, enjoy the gardens and find a peaceful spot to relax. Leashed dogs are welcome on the property and water is provided beside the gift shop.

The Arboretum in Greensboro, NC, is a pet-friendly 17-acre garden open to the public and their pets. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners in exploring the manicured grounds and trails. Note that the park is open year-round, but the hours change seasonally.

Bring your leashed pup to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, and see the site of the first successful airplane flights. While there, you can fly kites, visit the beginning and end locations of the first flight, see the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings and visit the Wright Brothers National Monument. The area is dog-friendly, but Fido must be leashed at all times and is not permitted inside any buildings.

Grandfather Mountain is a pet-friendly landmark in Linville, NC. Whether you prefer a more leisurely stroll along one of the many nature trails through gentle forests and meadows or love hiking in the backcountry, you and Fido will find plenty of beauty to savor as you explore the breathtaking wonder of Grandfather Mountain. Pets must be leashed at all times and aren't permitted inside any building or in the Animal Habitats area. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that's left behind.

Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll along the pet-friendly Riverwalk in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. The Riverwalk runs for nearly two miles along the bank of the Cape Fear River, from the foot of Nun Street on the South to the Isabel Holmes Bridge on the North. Paid parking areas are located along the boardwalk.

Located in Danbury, NC, Hanging Rock State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area boasting beautiful walking trails for you and Fido. While leashed pets are allowed in the park and at campsites, they are prohibited from the swim beach, inside buildings or in vacation cabins. Enjoy sweeping views at the summit, or let your dog cool off in one of the many waterfalls.

Dry Falls is a pet-friendly trail in Highlands, NC. This popular hike and waterfall is located a few miles outside of Highlands and gives you the rare chance to walk safely behind the water flow. The 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (ish). Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, NC, offers visitors nearly 15 pet-friendly hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous in difficulty. Picnicking, canoeing, and horseback riding are also allowed in this recreation area with leashed pups.

Mount Jefferson is a great place to have a scenic picnic near the summit with your dog in West Jefferson, NC. This pet-friendly state park also has a couple of great hiking trails. The Lost Province Trail is 3/4 mile long and is moderate in difficulty. The Rhododendron Trail is just over one mile long and is strenuous in difficulty. Dogs are allowed but must remain leashed.

Waterrock Knob Trail in Sylva, NC, is pet friendly. It's a difficult, 1.2-mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take about 1 hour to complete with Fido. With the steep elevation on this trail you will want to be sure your dog can climb and maneuver over large rocks. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Price Lake Loop Trail is an easy, 2.3 mile hike at Price Lake Campground in Blowing Rock, NC. It'll take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. This trail will take you around the pristine Price Lake located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From May through October you can camp in one of the 180 sites in this scenic park. Enjoy the picnic area, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. There's also a campground fee to camp overnight.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Apex, NC, offers 14 miles of dog-friendly trails, over 1,000 campsites, fishing, and boat launches at every access point. Fido must be kept on a leash no longer than 6' and is not permitted on swim beaches or inside buildings. Please visit their website for updated fees on vehicles.